Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am not familiar with what measure of material deprivation NERI are using so I cannot comment on the point the Deputy made, but I definitely am aware of the challenges of inequality within our society. That is the main reason we have ensured each of the budgets we have done has been progressive.

As we have laid out each year in the budget, if we combine the core welfare rate changes that have been made, in particular the changes made to the working family payment and the qualified child increase, with the additional one-off payments that have been made, the budgets have been very progressive. Those who have the least have been protected most.